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Don't Let It Slide: Winter Driving Safety

Every winter, individuals are injured or killed because they're not prepared or too confident on snowy, icy roads. Even if you are a veteran driver from a state like Missouri and do not give venturing out in a blizzard a second thought, keeping these safety tips fresh in your mind can keep you on the road and in control. If you do live in the Metro St. Louis area, Car Craft Auto Body in Oakville, Missouri would specifically like for you to think about the following tips:

Make sure you and your automobile are properly equipped

Before you decide to set out on a snowy journey, even if it's simply a short drive to the grocery store, keep the following items in mind.

Make sure that your car has adequate antifreeze, the windshield is clean, and you've got plenty of windshield washer fluid.

Check to be certain the headlights are clean and in working order.

Confirm that the tires have tread and are properly inflated.

Have your battery checked, to prevent being stranded in the cold with an automobile that will not start.

Equip your automobile with a flashlight and extra batteries, a first-aid kit, warm clothing, and a blanket.

Remember to have sunglasses in the vehicle, because the glare of the sun off of snow and ice could be more intense in the winter than during the summer time.

Maybe the most important of all: Do not forget your cell phone, so you are able to call in case there is an emergency.

Decelerate and drive smoothly

Driving too fast is the main cause of accidents in cold weather conditions. Even if you are driving an SUV or a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you can't safely do eighty mph during a snowstorm. No matter your car or truck, how you drive can prevent accidents.

Avoid unexpected acceleration, braking, and unneeded lane changes. These maneuvers can cause your motor vehicle to lose traction and can launch you into an unrestrained skid, causing a collision.

Four-wheel-drive may help the automobile get going in the slushy stuff, but it is useless when you are aiming to steer or safely stop on a slippery road surface.

Be patient and recognize the reality that it is going to take a bit of time to get to your destination.

Do not tailgate

Tailgating often results in accidents, notably if you are driving in stop-and-go traffic like what's commonly seen in Mehlville, Arnold, Lemay, and Oakville, MO. You may think that the driver ahead of you doing 35 miles per hour on the freeway is going too slow and could use a reminder in the form of you riding their bumper, but to do so is unsafe.

Be patient and stay well behind the driver in front of you until it's safe to pass.

It is important to remember that it takes a considerably longer distance to stop your vehicle in the snow or ice because of the diminished traction, even with only a light covering on the road.

Needing to cope with a fender bender on a busy road in snow is unquestionably one thing which you want to avoid, especially if other automobiles are sliding around as well.

Many serious accident injuries result from a second impact from another vehicle after a seemingly trivial accident.

Avoid using cruise control

Driving with cruise control has become almost second nature. Sure, it prevents you from getting leg fatigue, keeps you from unwittingly exceeding the speed limit, and is extremely good on long trips, but driving with it on in winter conditions may be hazardous.

If cruise control has turned into a staple of your driving habits, make a mindful effort to ensure that you aren't utilizing it in winter weather.

Utilizing cruise control in the snow, ice, or even rain is unsafe because if your car hydroplanes or skids, the car can speed up and spin the wheels, attempting to maintain a constant speed.

If you hydroplane with cruise control on, it will be more likely that you lose control of your automobile.

Pull over or stay home

Keep in mind, there's no shame in making the logical decision to stay in when the conditions are dangerous. You may be late coming to your destination, but arriving late in one piece is way better than the alternative.

If you're able to postpone your trip, or if it is non-essential, stay in whenever the weather conditions are very bad.

If at any point during your trip you think that the conditions are too bad to keep driving, just stay put.

If you're out on the highway, look for a safe spot to pull over and hold off until the weather passes or calms to the point where you feel at ease driving again.

If traveling in bad weather conditions is fatiguing, switch drivers before you get tired.

Even if you are taking every safety precaution, accidents still happen. If you're in an accident in the Oakville, MO area, call Car Craft Auto Body and they'll send a tow truck, arrange for a rental car, and fix your vehicle with the highest-quality repair service.

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Winter Driving Safety To Avoid Auto Body Damage This Christmas

There really are a ton of things you can expect to face this Christmas. No, I am not referring to long lines at the store, strange family members, and crossing reindeer. I am talking about the dangers of winter driving. As you go over the river and through the woods to Grandma's house this holiday season, you must take the necessary precautions to ensure that you and your loved ones make it there safely. This time of year is not the same as other seasons as far as street conditions are concerned. You have to deal with ice, snow, low visibility, traffic, and so much more. The very best thing you can possibly do beforehand is to prepare your car for the tough journey you will take. If not, you might end up at an auto body shop in Mehlville, Arnold, Lemay, or Oakville, MO this Christmas. This information from Car Craft Oakville in Oakville, MO will help you get a great start this holiday season.

If you plan to drive in frigid weather, you might not know exactly what that may do to your battery. Cold weather tends to drain the strength of a weak battery. You can go to most auto body shops and auto parts stores to have your battery checked. If you do not have your battery assessed, the winter months might put it through its own thorough testing. Obviously, when winter tests your batteries, you will not only be out a little bit of money. You will be stranded in a parking lot somewhere needing to either bum a ride from a friend or walk through a winter wonderland all the way to the closest auto body shop.

Visibility is an essential part of driving safely in the winter season also. The very first thing that you really should do is go to an auto body shop in Oakville, Missouri for headlight restoration. That will help you clear some of the visibility issues you may have at night. You can also help visibility issues by making sure that your windshield wipers remain in good working order. They were certainly not created to break ice or shove off big quantities of snow, so make certain that you have an ice scraper and snow brush handy to deal with that before hitting the road. Simply start up the vehicle to get it warming up and scrape to your heart's content. Making sure that you have enough windshield wiper fluid is a must also. That can help you with a lot of the grime and such that you will encounter on your journey to grandmother's house, whether or not she lives in Saint Louis or the encompassing area.

Windshield wiper fluid is not the only fluid you ought to be concerned about before you hit the road. You really should ensure that all of your fluids are topped off before hitting the trail for any long trip. Without a doubt, oil is the biggest one to bear in mind. Even if you have not hit that three thousand mile mark yet, have a speedy gander at it to make sure you do not have some oil that leaked or oil that is discolored. If you have oil that is discolored or any other discolored fluid, the very best thing you can possibly do is to take it to a mechanic before you take your long trip. Discolored oil puts you on the fast track to total engine failure. Even though it is winter, ensure you have sufficient coolant in your engine too. You should have water blended in with your antifreeze on a half-and-half ratio.

Your tires are also an essential part of ensuring that your vehicle is roadworthy this Christmas. No matter if you are traveling in Saint Louis or anyplace else, it is essential to have tires with sufficient pressure and tread. The owner's manual and the sticker on the inside panel of the driver's door should tell you just how much pressure you ought to have in your tires, normally thirty or thirty-five PSI. Winter makes the air in your tires contract, so it is particularly important at this time to assess your tires' pressure. You can check on your tires' tread just by sticking a penny between the treads with Abraham Lincoln's head sticking downward. If you can see the top of Abe's head, you will know that your tread is too low. Just have them replaced and you are going to be a huge step closer to being prepared for driving on slippery wintertime roadways.

Regardless of how prepared you think you are, accidents happen to even the very best of us. You ought to take that into consideration in advance by assembling an emergency kit to keep in your automobile at all times. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started assembling a kit to meet your needs.

Hat, gloves, and warm coat

Blanket

Flashlight

First aid kit

Flares

Sand, carpet strips, or something else to give you traction whenever you are stuck

Ice scraper

Shovel

Tire-changing equipment

Spare tire

Jumper cables

You may have other things which you have to pack that is personal to you, like additional medication or something like that, but this will give you a good place to start with your preparations.

As you consider that long trip this Christmas, take the necessary steps to prepare your car so that you can concentrate on making your holiday merry and bright instead of focusing on "walking in a winter wonderland" to the closest auto body shop. If you are looking for a skilled mechanic in Oakville, MO, please think about taking your automobile to Car Craft Oakville. They can get your vehicle ready to face the challenging conditions of winter driving.

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Fall-ing For Autumn Driving Safety

Whether you are driving a vehicle on an open country road or a snug city street in Mehlville, Arnold, Lemay, or Oakville, MO, fall may be a surprisingly dangerous time to drive a vehicle. Many people think of winter when they think about driving hazards, but the incorrect combination of bad circumstances might cause you catastrophic auto body damage. Thankfully, it is easy to prepare yourself for these conditions with only a bit of expertise. Please pay very close attention to these suggestions from your friends at Car Craft Oakville in Oakville, MO.

Unquestionably, there are a lot of people out and about around this time of year. Little ones are back in school, for one thing. Please be very conscious of this fact, particularly in the early mornings and afternoons where youngsters are most likely to be walking to school or their bus stop. Do not fail to slow down when you are in school zones. In addition to youngsters, you ought to also be mindful of the numerous people who will be out jogging or walking. It might be a little bit too chilly in Oakville, Missouri for the majority of joggers, but there is still a mild day every once in a while. Appreciate this possibility and also the probability that a less-than-smart jogger might have earphones on and not be able to hear your car.

This problem is only intensified by the fact that we are dropping more and more daylight. You are much more likely to need to drive around at night. While jogging in the dark is a really bad idea, there is probably someone out there who is unintelligent enough to do it. Be aware of that and act appropriately alert. Having your headlights in excellent shape via headlight restoration in Saint Louis, MO is the most effective way to be prepped to drive in the dark. Much more so than darkness, you must be aware of the sun being right in your face around dawn and dusk. Those are the times that your visibility will really be the littlest. Make sure you have sunglasses to help you overcome this issue and stay clear of car body repair.

Another visibility issue to look out for at dawn and dusk is fogginess. This is very typical around this time of year as a result of the rapid temperature changes. Ensure that you are taking it slow and following good fog driving protocol. Avoid driving whenever you know fog will be common. The change in climate could also result in really fierce rainstorms which come out of thin air. Whenever those storms douse the roadways with water, fallen leaves can rot in the water and develop really dangerously slick spots. Do not believe that wintertime is the only time your car could lose control. Regrettably, dry leaves may be equally as hazardous as wet leaves. If you park on a stack of very dry leaves, your catalytic converter could actually spark a fire and potentially cause great damage to your automobile or maybe a forest fire.

If you have heeded our releases for a long time, you have most likely heard about the danger of deer on the roadways of Mehlville, Arnold, Lemay, and Oakville, MO. During the autumn months, deer are most especially active because it is their breeding season. As such, keep alert an especially good deal in deer crossing areas. Even if you see a deer that has already crossed the road, slow down substantially because there are likely more of his friends behind him. If you do strike a deer, do not go out to look at him. Deer which have been injured are exceptionally likely to attack if approached.

Ultimately, the trick to safe driving during the autumn months is the exact same as any other season: mindful attention and safe speeds are the way to go. However, even the most careful and alert driver can wind up with auto body damage in Oakville, Missouri if placed in a rough situation. If you are in need of auto body repair, please look at taking your vehicle to Car Craft Oakville. They have assisted countless motorists who need help dealing with the aftermath of dangerous driving conditions in autumn.

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An Auto Body Shop's Take On The Autumn Tune-Up

Autumn is well underway here in Mehlville, Arnold, Lemay, and Oakville, MO, which implies a bunch of things. Naturally, I am not just speaking about cooler weather and pumpkin pie. It also means that it is time to get your vehicle ready for the cool months of late fall and winter. You might be thinking that you can wait a while because the weather has not turned hazardously cold yet, however that would be a misstep. First, that would be a problem since it is never too soon to prepare to drive safely so you do not wind up needing an auto body shop in Oakville, MO. Secondly, why wait until it is cool outside before you get out there and begin working on your vehicle? Are you among those people who put up their Christmas lights in October? While that can look really silly, it can make it easier later on when other individuals have to climb up ladders and affix lights while their fingers feel like they are falling off. Getting your car prepared for winter driving is the exact same thing besides the fact that it does not look silly whatsoever.

So, do not stand by until it is too late. Take these steps to get your automobile ready to roll on those late fall frosty mornings. These suggestions are offered by Car Craft Oakville in Oakville, Missouri.

Replace and Refill

There certainly are a number of things in your vehicle that will wear and particular fluids which have to be refilled. Undoubtedly, you will want to change the oil on your automobile to prepare for wintertime. While you are doing that, do not neglect to change the oil filter too. You should be switching out the oil filter every time you change the oil. You would also do well to look at the air filter too. If that gets too dirty, your vehicle will need to work too hard in order to have effective airflow. Luckily, there is an easy way to look for whether your air filter needs replacing. Just hold it up to a sixty watt lightbulb and see if the light makes it through. Otherwise, it is time for you to get a new air filter.

Nothing is so irritating and can send you to an auto body shop faster than fluids that are not topped off. Certainly, oil is the big one here. Nonetheless, there are other fluids to consider too. Have a look at the coolant levels whenever the motor is cool and refill it to the optimal level with a half and half solution of water and coolant. This will be a great help to you whenever the weather gets cold. Also, make sure to have a look at the transmission fluid, the brake fluid, the power steering fluid, and the washer fluid. Doing a simple examination with all these things is the simplest way to keep your car healthy.

Dings and Dents

While you are inspecting your vehicle, it is the most effective time to inspect the exterior for any imperfections. The majority of little dents can be easily repaired through paintless dent repair at Car Craft Oakville, MO. Larger dents and scrapes which pierce the paint are even more urgent to be fixed. The moisture and saltiness on the roads during winter will snack on your automobile if you do not have those dents and scratches fixed. The very best way to spot those kinds of blemishes is to meticulously wash your vehicle and give it a thorough inspection.

While you are examining your car's exterior, take a look at the lights. Be sure that all of them are operational, from the parking lights and brake lights to the headlights, taillights, and emergency flashers. Examine your high beams also. Undoubtedly, make sure to fix all the lights which are not working, either by switching out the bulb if that is what is required or by digging into the wiring if required. You should also look into the possibility of visiting an auto body shop in Oakville, Missouri with headlight restoration capabilities. They can clear up your headlights for a low price and drastically improve your visibility.

Brakes, Breaks, and Batteries

Whenever the weather gets cold and the weather gets harsh, the first line of defense of your vehicle is the tires and brakes. If your tires look worn or the wear bars show, have them switched out. If your brakes are squealing, have them looked at as well. As the weather gets colder and colder, your tire pressure will promptly go down, so have that topped off routinely. If your heater is damaged, that is something to look at as well. You need to have a working defroster system to remain safe when driving.

Batteries are something which many people disregard when they are prepping their vehicle for winter, However, that would be a significant mistake. It is very advisable to have the battery and charging system inspected by an auto body mechanic. Before you even do that, you might be able to tell if your battery will need to be replaced by searching for corrosion anyplace in the battery system. If the weather is cold, your battery is especially susceptible to going dead.

To close out your fall tune-up, just have a look beneath the hood and simply look around for anything questionable. Leaks are a very obvious sign that something has to be repaired. Likewise, fraying hoses, cracks, or loose clamps will also need to be addressed. Have a look at the drive belts too and listen closely for any inexplicable engine noises. If you have any issues in this regard, take your vehicle to an auto body shop to get it looked at.

Car Craft Oakville has been helping motorists in Oakville, Missouri get ready for the cold months of wintertime for many years. If you need mechanical work, headlight restoration, auto body repair, or any other work on your car, think about taking it to their auto body shop.

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Fog Driving Safety Tips

Driving in fog is regarded as the most risky weather hazard, especially when it's exceptionally dense fog or in combination with other adverse weather conditions. Foggy conditions are the biggest reason behind big multi-car pile ups. Nevertheless, there are certain things you can do to lower your chances of needing Saint Louis car repair. These guidelines, provided by Car Craft Oakville, will help you be much safer on foggy Oakville, MO streets.

Slow It Down

In heavy fog, a very terrifying thing happens to individuals as they're driving. They unconsciously speed up! Needless to say, we are all aware that accelerating in fog is the worst thing to do, but fog creates an optical illusion. When you look out your windshield, your body perceives that you're driving really slowly. Since the majority of people get anxious in fog, they do not look down at their speedometer. Over time, they begin going faster and faster. This is without a doubt the riskiest aspect of traveling in fog. Make a conscious effort to look at your speedometer from time to time. There is a good chance you keep accelerating, without knowing it!

Keep It Straight

When driving in fog in the St. Louis area, it is wise to follow the lines on the road with your eyes. This is the best way to ensure you remain in your lane. Drivers are generally attracted to lights, and subliminally, will steer toward lights. So it is better to watch the lines to be certain you are driving in your lane. Just make sure you are not fixating. You want to keep eyes moving.

Follow Them Far

A good following distance is crucial in fog. Most drivers tend to "bunch up" during foggy conditions because they feel it is easier to see. Traveling in fog is scary, but now is not the time to follow too close. That's one of the big reasons sizable pile-up's occur. 

Keep Them On

Always keep your car headlights on when driving any vehicle in foggy conditions to avoid an awful auto body repair bill. Your daytime running lights are not enough. Some people turn their lights off because they feel their headlights are blinding them from reflecting off the fog, but you essentially become a "ghost car" when this occurs. Your headlights aren't so you can see better, it's so other people can see you! If your car is equipped with fog lights, use those as well. When traveling in fog, it's very important to stay visible to other people.

Keep Them Low

Don't ever use your high beam headlights in foggy environments. Your high beam headlights reflect off of the water vapor and in fact reduce your visibility. You might feel that your low beam headlights are going to do the same thing, but again, keep them on. It's the best way for you to be noticed.

When It's Time To Stop

Sometimes, foggy conditions become too thick to drive safely. If you're going above your comfort zone, it may be best to stop until the fog lifts. Just don't forget – this is definitely a risky situation! If you can't see, neither can anybody else. Try to get as far off of the road as possible. Pull in a driveway, car park, rest area, side street, or some other place where you can get away from heavy traffic flow. But if the roadway shoulder is your only option, pull way over. Go into the grass when necessary. If there is a curb, drive on it and park on the opposite side of the curb. Stay buckled up and turn your lights off! If you leave your lights on, people may think you're driving your car on the roadway and rear-end you. Ensure that your foot is off the brake pedal, and do not use your flashers. Keep all your lights off. If there's shelter nearby, try to get there quickly. Otherwise, stay in your vehicle and stay buckled up.

Dense fog customarily doesn't last a long time. The fog might not totally disappear, but stopping for a while should buy you some time and allow the fog to lift a little. Dense fog tends to migrate from area to area, unless you're in a valley where fog tends to settle. If the fog just gets worse while you're parked, stay put. It's not worth risking your life to go on. But don't forget, when driving in fog, stopping on the shoulder of the road should be a last option!

Heavy Fog Doesn't Last Long

Under most "normal" weather conditions, dense fog is short-lived. Usually, you will come across small patches of dense fog on mountain valleys, peaks, near moist open fields, and near bodies of water like streams, rivers, and lakes. Whenever the atmosphere is particularly humid, you might even get areas of fog that seem to wander from place to place. In the worst conditions, typically taking place at night or during early morning hours, the fog may be very dense and cover a span of many miles. This is the most dangerous condition and is generally alerted by fog advisories or warnings from the National Weather Service. Whenever fog warnings or advisories are released, simply don't drive (this is particularly true in fog warnings). It does not matter how great you and the other motorists on the roadway are, if you can't see, you can't possibly drive safely.

If you do end up having a Saint Louis auto accident in foggy conditions, think about taking your motor vehicle to Car Craft Oakville. They serve men and women all over Mehlville, Arnold, Lemay, and Oakville, MO with top-notch auto body repairs.

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Are You Being Ripped Off On Collision Repair?

The age-old problems still proves out today: just how do I know if my Oakville, MO auto body repair shop is trying to exploit me? It is absolutely a substantiated concern. Auto body mechanics pull the wool over the eyes of their patrons all the time. If you do not know a whole lot about car repair, and you likely do not if you are taking your vehicle to someone else to get it fixed , you might want some help navigating the troubled waters of auto body repair. To help you with this, Car Craft Oakville in Oakville, Missouri has detailed a few of the biggest lines they hear from less-than-reputable collision repair facilities in the Saint Louis, Missouri area.

The Saboteur

If you find yourself having to go back to the auto body shop to get the same thing repaired over and over again, the problem is probably not your automobile. Most of the time, the real issue is that the auto body shop you are going to is either putting in bad parts or they are putting the parts in wrong. Often you can locate information about problems that are prevalent with your automobile's make and model by browsing the web. If you smell a rat, you should most likely get another auto body shop.

The Problem Inventor

If the mechanic does not know what they are doing, he might try something, charge you for it, than attempt something else and bill you for that. Undoubtedly, that is not a great way to do business. On top of that, it is unfair to the customer needing to shell out for all of these unneeded "repairs." Also, it is worth mentioning that a misdiagnosis can happen to the best of us. Even the auto body mechanics at Car Craft Oakville slip up from time to time. Nevertheless, whenever that happens, your auto body shop should be willing to write off or at least discount the misdiagnosed repair. If the mechanic gets it incorrect more than once, you are either dealing with an unskilled mechanic or a willfully deceitful mechanic. In either situation, it is time to take your business someplace else.

The Dilemma Dealer

One of the most popular misconceptions of auto body repair is that you have no choices about where to take your car for repair. Most commonly, dealerships will try to tell you that they are the only place you can go. This is simply not true. In reality, the only times when you are required to go to the dealer are for repair services under warranty and for recalls. Anything else is fair game for some other auto body shop if that is where you would like to go. In fact, dealers are usually a lot more highly-priced than your neighborhood mechanics' shop. Do not think that dealerships always do a better job either.

Price-Inflator

Here's the classic. Sometimes auto body mechanics are going to merely jack up the cost of the repair they intend to do on your car. Of course, this can be hard to detect if you do not know the industry. After all, to those who do not know the market, all auto body repair costs can seem high no matter how affordable the price is. The question then becomes how to know when it is happening. Granted, some of the top-of-the-line auto body shops are going to charge a little bit extra for some added amenities. Nonetheless, you should not see differences of greater than perhaps ten or fifteen percent from one reliable auto body shop to the next. Once you have an estimate from your auto body shop of preference, dial around to other shops and ask what they might cost for the same work. Obviously, you have to be able to describe the issue to the other shops in order to make this work. Nevertheless, a reputable auto body repair shop ought to give a comprehensive explanation with their diagnosis anyway.

The Alarmist

Some auto mechanics like to push you into getting your automobile fixed by telling you that your car will explode if you do not get it repaired right this second. Okay, maybe they do not lay it on that strong, but the basic principle proves out nonetheless. Do not let that type of pressure influence you. Granted, there are some malfunctions that will get worse over time. However, you should never be rushed beyond the point of making an informed decision about where you get your car repaired and when to do so. These are often the same folks who will try to charge you for additional things that do not need to be repaired.

As auto body mechanics themselves, the folks at Car Craft Oakville want to point out that not every mechanic in Oakville, MO and surrounding communities like Mehlville, Arnold, and Lemay, MO, Car Craft Oakville are crooked. Actually, many of them are fine upstanding people who just wish to make an honest living. Nonetheless, customers should always be on the alert for those auto mechanics who give the remainder of them a bad name. If you are uncertain about your auto mechanic's integrity or you simply want to have your car repaired, get in touch with Car Craft Oakville.

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Leaving A Bad Impression: Auto Body Dents and Auto Glass Cracks From Hail

Last year, the folks of Oakville, MO experienced hail damage on a huge scale. In the course of one hail storm in May, softball-size hail came down upon the houses and vehicles of Saint Louis residents. This ought to come as no surprise due to the fact that Missouri is consistently ranked as the fifth-worst state for hailstorms. Obviously, this is a large issue. Therefore, the hail damage experts at Car Craft Oakville have the following info for you about how hail damage can have an effect on your automobile. The two primary types of hail damage we see are auto body dents and auto glass damage.

Auto body dents are a pain in several ways. First and most obviously, dents make your automobile look like a heap of junk. There is no avoiding it. Your otherwise shiny and well-kept automobile will not look as good if hail damage has influenced it. To put it simply, hail is going to give your automobile a bad impression. Second, hail damage will decrease the resale value of your vehicle. Unless you plan to keep your automobile until it truly is a pile of garbage, you will need to sell your automobile at some point. When you do, hail damage is actually going to affect how much cash you can get for it. The greatest thing you can do is to get it repaired. The third issue with auto body dents is that, because dents are commonly on the top of your automobile. Although this may look like an advantage thanks to the shortage of visibility, it also creates a large problem. Those grooves on top of your vehicle will accumulate water each time it rains. When those pools of moisture sit dormant for so long, they will eventually turn into rust. That is why it is important that you get your auto body dents fixed as soon as possible.

The second kind of hail damage on Oakville, Missouri cars is auto glass damage. If the glass breaks, the solution is remarkably simple: you need to replace the glass. Nevertheless, whenever the glass merely cracks, individuals try all sorts of home remedies from the web to stop the crack or cracks from dispersing. Sadly, these attempts are so often fruitless. The most popular fix is to pour some kind of glue along the crack, such as nail polish or superglue.

The issue is that these chemicals simply will not bond to glass. In order for something to adhere to glass, it has to be able to permeate into the microscopic pores of glass. In order to avoid this issue, individuals will frequently turn to low-priced auto glass repair kits that you can get from your local automobile parts store. The problem with that idea is that these kits typically are of a poor quality and produce big smudges on your window. These too might not even stop the spread of an auto glass crack. Some folks then turn to even more extreme measures, like scoring their window. This scheme consists of intentionally cracking your windshield at the end of a crack in a perpendicular fashion in order to hinder its spread. Although this may theoretically stop the spread of the crack in the one direction, the stress will nonetheless be on that area. Pretty soon, you are going to see the scoring crack you made begin to expand.

Essentially, the only way to obtain appropriate auto glass repair in Oakville Missouri is to take it to a competent auto body repair shop. For individuals living in Mehlville, Arnold, Lemay, and Oakville, MO, Car Craft Oakville is just such a shop. They have years of experience fixing the dings, dents, and glass damage caused by hailstorms and day-to-day accidents. Do not wait for your dents to rust or your glass cracks to spread. Give them a call right now and get your automobile repaired right.

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The Heat is On for Auto Body Repair

The majority of people understand the significance of getting your automobile ready for the extreme cold of wintertime, but drivers should also acknowledge that the high temperatures in Oakville, Mehlville, Arnold, and Lemay, Missouri can be equally bad about causing Saint Louis auto body repair. If you are not careful, you might end up stranded on the side of the road on a sizzling hot day waiting to get towed to an auto body repair shop. Nonetheless, if you are careful, you can alleviate a lot of the worries that you might otherwise have in this regard. As a result, Car Craft Oakville would like you to pay close attention to the following tips on how to keep your car running smoothly this summer.

The first thing to recognize is that keeping you, your passengers, and your pets cool in the car is not discretionary. You should never underrate the power of summer warmth combined with the absence of air flow in a sealed up automobile. Absolutely do not leave children or animals neglected in cars in hot temperatures. In some states and townships, this is prohibited. No matter if that is the case where you reside, it is incredibly dangerous. Even on a fairly mild summer day, hot air can accumulate in a vehicle just like a greenhouse. For that reason, your very first concern as a motorist ought to be to ensure the safety of everyone in your vehicle by keeping things cool.

Nonetheless, this is not just a concern while the automobile is not moving. Driving in cooler temperatures will make you more alert on the road. For that reason, it is a great idea to have your air conditioning system correctly maintained. Always keep the coolant topped off and the cabin filter fresh if you have one. Go to a qualified auto body mechanic in Oakville, Missouri if you have to have your air conditioner checked out.

The cooling system of your car means a lot more than merely the air conditioning unit. The cooling system is essential for keeping your engine cool as well. If it is not working effectively, you can anticipate extreme wear at best and a total engine failure at worst. That is not a really fun thing to consider in incredibly hot weather like what we observe in the Saint Louis area.

You have to understand that your engine coolant is naturally going to require a marginal amount of auto repair maintenance. The very first thing that you should check for is corroded parts. Since a lot of the cooling system is comprised of rubber parts, high temperature levels will undoubtedly cause some degree of deterioration which demands an occasional looking-after. Nevertheless, a lot more common is the need to change out the engine coolant or at the very least top it off. Examine your vehicle's owner's manual for specifics of how frequently to change out the coolant, but you can normally expect to have to change it every 45,000 miles or so. You may lose some coolant along the road, so open your radiator AFTER THE ENGINE HAS COOLED and take a look whenever you change your engine's oil.

Coolant is not the only fluid that you ought to be stressed over in warm temperatures. Other fluids which serve as lubricants also cool your engine. After all, whenever lubricants are not present to reduce friction, you are going to see a great deal of heat created. In addition to coolant, keep your eye on the transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and obviously motor oil. If you can keep those five liquids at the correct level and in good condition, you will do a lot to have a smooth ride and assure the durability of your engine in spite of summer temperatures.

Keep your vehicle's battery in mind when you are considering preparing your automobile for hot weather as well. Heat can cause your battery to steadily corrode and eventually give out entirely. Having excessive vibrations impacting the battery pile into the heat to create a perfect storm of factors to corrode your battery. While the heat factor may be a bit out of your control, you can absolutely make sure that your battery is mounted properly to decrease vibrations. Make sure that you try to keep the outside of your battery clean of any battery fluid. That is a surefire one-way ticket to call for towing in Oakville, MO.

If you have been checking out these articles for any duration of time, you know fully well the significance of having your tires appropriately inflated. Even so, the problems are amplified exponentially whenever your tires are under-inflated in heat. Under-inflated tires have an excessive amount of contact between the tire and the road, which decreases your gas mileage and increases friction. Going at those speeds, friction is public enemy number one. You need to keep your tires aired up to the level recommended by your car's manufacturer if you wish to prevent an untimely blowout.

To be honest, none of the basic maintenance items that were suggested in this article are outside the abilities of many people to do for themselves. Checking fluids and airing up tires are well within the extent of workability for most if they want to put in the knowledge, time, and effort required to get the job done. Nevertheless, the auto body repair experts at Car Craft Oakville are ready and willing to help you with all your auto body repair and car maintenance needs. If you would like a professional opinion, if the problem is too advanced for your capabilities, or if you merely do not have the time to figure it out yourself, take your vehicle to Car Craft Oakville for expert advice from the auto mechanics with experience and integrity.

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Helping Your Teen Avoid Auto Body Repair

It ought to come as no shock that adolescents make up a huge percentage of the fatal car accidents in Oakville, Missouri. However, you may not know that automobile crash fatalities are the leading cause of death for adolescents by far. As such, it is imperative that you make it a top priority to ensure that your son or daughter remains safe when traveling in those first few years of driving. On top of ensuring the safety of your teenager, you are also substantially reducing the chance that they will make your car or truck end up in an auto body shop in Oakville, Mehlville, Arnold, and Lemay, Missouri. The auto body repair professionals at Car Craft Oakville see those sorts of things all the time. That is why they really want you to help your teenager stay safe on the road with these tips for you as a parent.

First, you would certainly do well to refrain from giving your teen a danger-magnet. You were a adolescent once also, so you probably know the tendency when a adolescent gets behind the wheel of a sports car. You just have to test its limits. So, if you do not intend to test the limits of your automobile insurance coverage, think about giving them the minivan instead. Likewise, pick a automobile with a history of safety in the case of accidents. Vehicles that are too large like trucks and SUVs have a tendency of rolling over in the event of an accident.

Next, ensure your adolescent has a good education. No, I am not talking about going to a fancy university. I am referring to taking a good driver's education program. Maybe you would like to teach them on your own, but having a professional help has a variety of perks. First of all, some states other than Missouri call for people younger than eighteen to take a driver's safety course to get a license. Next of all, professional instructors have expertise working with new drivers that you do not have. Next of all, some insurance companies offer discounts to youngsters who take certified driver's safety courses. Fourth and finally, it is so much simpler to take some of the burden of teaching these things and pass it on to a expert. Granted, as the parent you will always have final responsibility for your teenaged daughter or son's learning in this regard, but it is still nice to get some help with this.

One more thing to bear in mind is the kind of example you set for your youngsters whenever you drive. By the time you have teenaged offspring, you are probably quite set in your ways whenever it comes to driving. However, if the ways you are set in could influence your teen to make bad driving choices and end up requiring a considerable amount of paintless dent repair or even worse, consider trying to change your ways. That means you ought to avoid doing things like texting and driving, drinking and driving, or neglecting to use a seatbelt.

Lastly, have a strong discussion with your teen pertaining to the importance of doing safe driving habits. Teenagers are specifically vulnerable to distractions when driving. That means teens should not be doing things like eating, messing with the CD player, or talking on the phone while driving a vehicle. That also means that you ought to tell them to not be a distraction while they are riding as a passenger in their friend's automobile.

Ultimately, your child's welfare when driving will be determined largely by how you prepare them, speak with them, and set the example for them. People like the folks at Car Craft Oakville understand firsthand what occurs when young people do unsafe things on the road. If you wish to avoid being roped into that mess of auto body repair, step up and be a part of your child's driving experience. If you do end up in need of collision repair, considering going to Car Craft Oakville for an auto body estimate.

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From Gas To Cash

No matter if you seldom hit the road or you devote hours each day navigating the hectic roads of Oakville, MO, car maintenance and some good habits can put a great deal of gas money back in your pocket. Fuel efficiency is not established exclusively by the make and model of your vehicle. Residents of Oakville, Mehlville, Arnold, and Lemay, Missouri would do well to make use of these little tips offered by the auto body specialists at Car Craft Oakville in Oakville, MO. With only minimal effort, most motorists can significantly minimize the fuel line on their budget plan.

First, you should create a foundation of good driving behaviors to boost your gas mileage. Driving a vehicle with the characteristic abrupt starting and stopping of aggressive drivers is one of the major ways to waste gas. Go slowly and try to anticipate stops so you can glide into them rather than stopping abruptly. Similarly, do not press the gas like a horse fresh out of the gate and you may see your fuel efficiency increase by as much as fifty percent according to the U.S. Department of Energy. A different thing to think about is the benefits of really going the speed limit. Did you know that moving too fast can burn up gasoline too? Whenever you are traveling more than fifty miles per hour, your fuel efficiency decreases the faster you go.

Another driving habit that could save you some fuel cash is purposing yourself to the avoidance of traffic. It stands to reason that you will be losing gas if you are sitting in traffic but the engine is running. Obviously, you can stay clear of unwanted gas expense by staying away from traffic. Stressful traffic may also be the reason for unnecessary auto body damage in Oakville, Missouri too. Consider asking to have your work schedule adjusted to let you drive in off-hours or reach the area where you work earlier and stop for breakfast or a workout at the gym.

If you wish to get extreme about reducing your gas expense, abstain from utilizing the air conditioner and the heater unless positively necessary. You would be surprised by just how much you might save. There is really no clear indication about whether windows down or A/C saves you more money when you are trying to cool your automobile, but either one will certainly decrease your fuel efficiency. Being too fast to speed up when climbing hills may also decrease gas mileage. Be content to slow down a little bit on your way up a hill and you might see amazing savings.

There is a big misconception going around concerning fuel efficiency that the pros at Car Craft Oakville are all too happy to unshroud. Premium fuel is a complete waste of money. Despite what the fuel companies might say to you, there is essentially no difference between the premium stuff and the regular stuff. Do not fall for this fraud. The "additives" in premium gasoline are essentially identical to the additives to regular gasoline.

Along with the behavioral changes that you can make to boost your gas mileage, there are also some mechanical changes that can have an equally impressive effect. If you have read through just about anything else on this website, you are familiar with the benefits of having tires with the correct level of inflation. Both under-inflated and over-inflated tires can be bad for the life of your tires, for your gas mileage, and for the traction you need to stay safe on the road. Likewise, having tires that are out of alignment can lower fuel efficiency and wear your tires quicker. Since tires are literally "where the rubber meets the road," it ought to come as no surprise that having them in first-class shape is completely essential. If you are having any tire problems with your tires, Car Craft Oakville would be happy to assist you with tire alignment or any other problem. Tires are not the only faculty in your vehicle with the capacity of slowing you down. Not changing your oil on a regular basis can cause friction, decrease gas mileage, and inevitably completely destroy your engine. While having excess weight on your automobile will not have that dramatic of an effect, getting rid of things such as luggage racks and trunk junk can certainly boost your fuel economy.

No matter the make and model of your automobile, the power to increase gas mileage is ultimately in your hands. Sadly, almost any compromises in your automobile's performance can inevitably lead to a decrease in gas mileage. Therefore, it is important for you to keep your car properly maintained. That is why Car Craft Oakville is here for the people of Oakville, Mehlville, Arnold, and Lemay, Missouri. Give them a call today and see how they can help you put more gas money back in your pocket.

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Regular Maintenance to Avoid Summer Auto Body Repair

As folks of Mehlville, Arnold, Lemay, and Oakville, MO make the seemingly spontaneous shift from winter to springtime and from springtime to summertime, it is very nearly like everyone's overall mindset changes. Windows are opened, barbeque grills are ignited, and lawns are mowed. However, there is one critical part of this seasonal switch that loads of people neglect: getting their car prepared for hot weather. The very best thing to do is to get your car or truck to a trained mechanic in Oakville, MO that you trust and have them look things over. In particular, there are a couple of things to watch for to ensure ideal vehicular performance for the coming summer.

The first thing that you have to do to assure the correct function of your automobile is to have the tires looked at. After all, regardless of how good your brakes are, worn-out tires will make braking hard and risky. The rapid change in low and high pressure systems makes it crucial that you check out the air pressure in your vehicle often during the transition period between winter and summertime. Ensuring that the tires are inflated to the suggestion given on the sticker that you see when you open up the driver's door will increase your average gas mileage by a significant amount and make certain that the tires do not wear out prematurely.

Ensuring that your tires have adequate tread is also a good idea . Of course, the best way to check the tread on your tires is with the traditional penny test. Simply stick the penny in the tread in a number of different locations on the tire. Make sure Lincoln's head is going to the tire. If Lincoln's head touches the tire, your tires have enough tread. If the top of Lincoln's head does not touch the tire, you need better tires.

When your tires are well taken care of, make sure that the brakes are also in good condition. Not surprisingly, winter driving conditions can easily cause a ton of corrosion on brake components, especially if you have an anti-lock braking system. Make sure that your Oakville, Missouri auto body mechanic of choice takes a good look at your brakes to ensure that you are safe as you drive around this summer. The mechanics at Car Craft Oakville knows the amount of devastation can ensue if your brakes go out at an inconvenient time.

Winter weather can also have a very adverse effect on the belts and hoses on your car. Winter weather may cause even the heavy-duty rubber of these crucial components to wear away. Look for cracking, peeling, and unusual softening. You do not want to be going on a big road trip this summer and have the unfortunate surprise of a broken belt or hose. Those problems can lead to something as bad as an overheated engine.

It is probably no surprise to you that testing the air conditioning system is an essential part of preparing for warmer temperatures. Fortunately, testing your air conditioning unit is no hard job. Simply crank up the AC as high as possible and make sure the air gets cold with relative quickness. If it does not, state that to the mechanic whenever you take it in. It may be that something is broken or perhaps you just need to add some more coolant to it.

On a more crucial note, ensure that you have the battery tested also. Winter weather can reek havoc on your car's battery, so inspect your battery for any indications of wear. Affiliated parts like the starter and alternator may also be impacted. When you have that done, you are well on your way to getting your ride ready for summer driving. If you have any questions regarding car maintenance or you want a professional to have your automobile looked over, consider going to Car Craft Oakville in Oakville, Missouri. They offer the car repair expertise you need to go back on the road quickly.

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Tire’d of Auto Body Repair

Let’s admit it: your car’s tires take a lot of punishment. Especially if you invest a lot of time driving around Mehlville, Arnold, Lemay, and Oakville, MO, you will need to take good care of your wheels’ rubbery companions. In order to do that, you should know of the numerous issues that can go wrong with your tires. This is why Car Craft Oakville has this listing of prevalent tire problems assembled for you. Remember, these suggestions can keep you from being stranded along the side of the road, or worse yet, in a car body shop.

Sharp objects are all around the roads in the St. Louis region. If you drive around long enough, you're sure to have a chuck of metal or wood, a nail, a screw, or something else such as that puncturing a tire. I remember a time in the past when a guy I knew got the business end of a bungee cord rammed into one of his tires. That wasn't an enjoyable experience. Either way, many tire punctures can be fixed with a plug or patch. Nevertheless, ones which are larger than a quarter-inch will most likely not be able to have that done safely. If you do get something stuck in your tire, evaluate the situation to find out if you are able to make it to a car body repair shop before the tire deflates to a risky level. If so, get to a shop as quick as possible and do not remove the obstruction yourself. If the tire will be deflated or already is deflated, go ahead and put on the spare tire.

On the subject of deflated tires, do not let overinflated or underinflated tires put you in need of Oakville, Missouri towing assistance. Needless to say, underinflated tires can cause complications with rolling resistance which will put additional wear on the vehicle and lower your gas mileage. However, overinflated tires can be equally bad or worse. Overinflated tires wear more quickly and are at a greater risk of being punctured. If you don't want your tires to be overinflated or underinflated, there are numerous things that you can do. Get a tire pressure gauge and rely on that rather than eyeballing it. Find your car’s optimal tire pressure by looking at the sticker around the combing of your driver’s side door. Look at your tire pressure frequently, one or more times each month.

As was previously mentioned, you do not want your tires to wear unevenly. That always shows that there is some sort of problem that needs to be looked after. If it is not the inflation of the tires, there's a distinct probability that it could be a problem with the belt or suspension system. Another very common perpetrator in this regard is improper wheel alignment. If you take a bump in the road too hard, you may also make a bulge or bubble in the tire. Whatever the case, do not let uneven tire wear take its toll on your car or truck.

On the topic of tire tread, it is worth mentioning that even the most well-cared for tires will wear down at some point. That means it's on you to check out the tread regularly to make sure that your vehicle can retain the traction it needs to stop quickly and avoid a car crash. Thankfully, there is a super easy test that anyone can perform to determine the adequacy of their tire tread. It does not take any fancy equipment or tools, you only need a penny. Just stick the penny in a groove of your tire with Lincoln’s head facing the middle of the tire. If Lincoln’s head does not touch the tread, you need to get some new tires.

Clearly, these important rubber components of your car will not always bounce back if they're not cared for properly. Nevertheless, a mindful eye and a small bit of regular care can keep your vehicle rolling for lots of miles to come. If you have any questions on this important subject of vehicle repair and maintenance, Oakville, MO can rely on Car Craft Oakville to have the answers.

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A Three-Pronged Attack On Winter Auto Body Repair

Often when you're driving your car on the chaotic streets of Oakville, MO in the winter season, it could feel as if you are in a combat zone. Automobile accidents and the evidence of them is scattered all over the roadways, motorists are stranded or have all manner of car dent damage, and people are sliding all over like they are messing around at the ice rink. Clearly, the best thing that you can do to survive out there is to have a solid strategy. That’s the reason why Car Craft Oakville in Oakville, MO has developed this reliable winter driving three-pronged attack plan so you can stay out of the auto body shop this winter.

Prepare For The Assault

The very first thing that any military tactician will tell you to do if you are about to handle a formidable foe is to be totally prepared for battle. The challenge of safe winter driving is no exception. Having your vehicle completely clear of snow and ice is a fantastic way to do that. If you do not have a garage, you most likely will grapple with this the most. After all, who'd want to waste time in the morning before work by standing out in the cold wiping off the windshield and the rest of the windows? Despite those understandable worries, visibility is too crucial to ignore. If you don't see that automobile in your side mirror, you may mistakenly get in a car accident with them and quickly find yourself in an Arnold, MO auto body repair shop.

One other way to prepare for battle is to ensure that your automobile is in good working order before you set out. If you are needing auto body repair, have that taken care of ahead of time. Also, be sure that your headlights aren't foggy, If they are, you can go to Car Craft Oakville for headlight restoration services. It may not seem like a big problem, but any preexisting damage to your car could put you at a disadvantage on the road.

Stay In Formation

Once you've gone to all of the trouble of preparing your automobile for battle, you probably will want to race to reach work or school or wherever you're heading. However, that is a terrible idea with roads that could have snow or ice on them. Instead, you really need to take it slow and stay alert. With roadways that are demonstrably icy in Mehlville, Arnold, Lemay, and Oakville, MO, you'll want to be well beneath the speed limit. Be particularly wary in high-risk areas that freeze rapidly, such as bridges and underpasses. Do not use cruise control on winter roadways either. Another thing to watch out for is the other automobiles. If an automobile is driving in front of you, stay very far back from them. The greater amount of reaction time you have when they skid or try to stop, the better.

On the subject of skidding, you need to know how to react in the case of skidding to avoid unnecessary dent damage or worse. There are several strategies to use, based on the particular situation. For example, if your rear tires slip, you'll want to do the following:

Quit pushing on the accelerator

Steer in the direction that you'd like for the vehicle to go to be able to straighten out. If your rear tires are sliding to the right, steer to the right. If the rear of the car is slipping to the left, turn the wheel left.

In some instances, the rear wheels will overcompensate and start sliding to the other side. If that does happen, ease the steering wheel to that side. Depending on how slick the roads are and how quickly you were going, you may have to steer back and forth a couple of times to regain control.

The next step is to push on the brakes. However, there's two divergent tactics here. If you've got anti-lock brakes, just press gently. Do not pump them. However, if you've got standard brakes, pump the brakes lightly until you have the vehicle under control.

The technique for controlling your vehicle if the front tires begin to slip is less difficult to remember:

Stop pushing on the accelerator and switch to neutral.

Rather than trying to direct the vehicle, let the tires skid laterally. That's going to slow the vehicle down, which is undoubtedly what you're looking for.

Whenever you feel the vehicle slow down to a manageable level, steer the automobile until you have control and shift back to drive.

Have A Backup Plan

The third prong of the three-prong strategy is to have a backup plan in place in case you get into a car accident or slide off of the road. Have a war chest of essentials to help you get rolling again if you become stuck. Items that would benefit you include sand or kitty litter for traction, a collapsible shovel to dig yourself out, an ice scraper, reflective triangles so that other automobiles can see you, and a cleaning solution for your auto glass.

A survival pack may also come in handy if you find yourself stranded behind enemy lines. Place items in it such as winter clothing, flashlights with batteries, extra cell phone batteries, matches, rope or ratchet straps, and a well-equipped first aid kit.

Many Oakville, MO automobile accidents happen because of the dread enemy known as winter weather. Trust me, we at Car Craft Oakville have seen lots of cars roll through our auto body shop as a result of slick winter roads. Not all winter is a wonderland. If you would like to face the roads head-on, use these tips to help you have the edge. If you're ever in need of towing or auto body repair, use Car Craft Oakville to get the repair work completed fast, correct, and affordable.

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Prepare To Be Towed On Snowy Roads

Each year, on average, over 6,000 individuals are killed and well over 480,000 are hurt because of weather-related vehicle collisions. If you have to drive in snow or cold conditions, the best thing that you may be armed with is information. That is why Car Craft Oakville would like the people of Mehlville, Arnold, Lemay, and Oakville, MO to be prepared. Go slow in the snow. Black ice is difficult to see. If the temperature is near freezing, drive like you are on ice because you may be on ice!

Before leaving the house, especially before a lengthier trip in winter, ensure all fluid levels are full and ensure that the lights, heater, and windshield wipers in proper condition. Keep the gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Avoid traveling alone. Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes. Then call 511 for the latest traffic and road incidents, including construction and weather conditions and restrictions. Every state provides this Department of Transportation service. Call before you leave, it might change your plans!

Fully check and winterize your automobile before the winter season begins. Carry a winter storm survival kit that includes the following:

Mobile phone, charger, batteries

Blankets/sleeping bags

Flashlight with additional batteries

First aid kit

Knife

High-calorie, non-perishable food

Extra clothing to keep dry

Large empty can to utilize as emergency toilet, tissues, and paper towels for hygienic purposes

Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water

Sack of sand or cat litter for traction

Shovel

Windshield scraper and brush

Tool kit

Tow rope

Battery booster cables

Water container

Candle and matches to provide light in a crisis and lifesaving heat.

Compass and road maps, don't depend on mobile devices with limited battery life.

If you need to drive during a storm, consider the following precautions:

Slow down! Even if the roads just look wet they can still be slick. More than 6,000 deaths occur on the roads every year thanks to weather conditions, to say nothing of the large volumes of auto body accidents that can cause dent damage to Oakville, MO cars.

Ensure that your automobile is perfectly clear of ice or snow before starting the trip. Flying snow from cars causes car accidents.

Let someone know where you're going and what route you'll take. If something happens, this person will know where to start a search.

Don't leave the house without a totally charged mobile phone and car charger and an emergency supplies pack in your car.

If you are driving and begin to skid, stay calm, ease your foot off the gas, and turn your tires in the direction you want the front of the automobile to go. If you've got an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply consistent pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS-equipped vehicle.

If you are having difficulty seeing due to weather conditions, pull over to the side of the road and stop your automobile until visibility gets better. Shut off your lights and use your parking break when stopped so that another vehicle will not erroneously follow your tail/brake lights and wind up striking you.

If your car gets stuck in a storm:

Remain in the car! If you leave your vehicle, you are going to become disoriented rapidly in wind-driven snow and cold. Run the motor about 10 minutes every hour for heat. While running the motor, open the window a bit for fresh air to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent gas poisoning.

Be visible to rescuers. Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine. Tie a bright-colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door. After snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help.

Never underestimate the power of Mother Nature to leave you in a bad spot. Be prepared to handle situations such as extreme winter weather while you're on the road. If you'd like to avoid an auto body accident in the St. Louis, MO area, you'd do well to heed these tips. If you're ever getting into a car crash, think about going to Car Craft Oakville in Oakville, MO.

Graphic and information courtesy of National Weather Service.

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Tips For Driving On Snow and Ice

Whenever the roadways get slippery and you've got someplace to be, you should know of these safe driving guidelines that could mean the distinction between a problem-free arrival and a sudden detour to a Oakville, MO auto body shop. Car Craft Oakville is thrilled to offer you these pointers to help you stay safe this winter.

Driving Safely On Icy Roads

Reduce your speed and allow yourself ample space to stop. You ought to leave at least three times more room than normal between you and the vehicle in front of your car.

Brake carefully to prevent skidding. If your wheels begin to lock up, ease off the brake.

Switch on your lights to improve your visibility to other drivers.

Keep your lights and car windows clean.

Make use of low gears to keep traction, specifically on hills.

Do not use cruise control or overdrive on icy roadways.

Be particularly careful on bridges, overpasses, and seldom traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are damp you may encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

Do not pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.

Don't presume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive cars can end up having to get tow assistance on winter roadways.

If Your Rear Tires Skid

Bring your foot off the accelerator.

Steer in the direction you would like the front tires to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.

If your rear wheels begin moving the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel in the direction of that side. You may have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle entirely in check.

If you have standard brakes, pump them lightly.

If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), don't pump the brakes. Use steady pressure to the brakes. You'll feel the brake system pulse - this is normal.

If Your Front Wheels Skid

Take your foot off of the gas and move to neutral, but do not try to steer immediately.

As the wheels skid sideways, they'll slow the automobile and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you'll want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate carefully.

If You Get Stuck

Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.

Turn your wheels from side to side a couple of times to push snow out of the way.

Use a light touch on the gas, to ease the car out.

Use a shovel to clear snow from the wheels and the bottom of the car.

Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel, or salt in the path of the tires to help get traction.

Try rocking your vehicle. (Read your owner's manual first - it can harm the transmission on some automobiles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Every time you are in gear, give a light touch on the gas until your vehicle gets going.

There are plenty of do’s and don’t’s when it comes to winter driving safety. Oakville, Missouri collision repair is a really prevalent thing. Actually, you would be shocked how many motorists in Mehlville, Arnold, Lemay, and Oakville, MO wind up wishing that that they had never pulled out of their driveways. If this is you and you need somebody to help you fix your vehicle, check out Car Craft Oakville.

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The Black Menace of Auto Body Repair

Alright, perhaps "The Black Menace of Auto Body Repair" is putting things a little bit dramatically. Still, drivers in Mehlville, Arnold, Lemay, and Oakville, MO should not overlook that black ice frequently forms during the winter and early spring, and it is definitely something you should watch out for. It is nearly impossible to identify if you don't know very well what you're searching for from the get-go. It does not even have to be raining or snowing for a patch of black ice to find its way beneath your tire tread if there is snow around. This is because melting snow can trickle onto the road and cause black ice to form. Even dew that has built up on the roadway overnight could form black ice in some cases. Definitely, black ice could be anywhere on a chilly winter day. That means it is your responsibility, the driver, to take care and take the necessary steps so you don't end up making an unexpected trip to a Oakville, MO auto body shop.

Black ice is not only ubiquitous; it's extraordinarily hazardous as well. Since it's so difficult to see coming, it can very easily take someone by surprise. Furthermore, lots of experts on winter driving safety and most auto body mechanics will agree that black ice is one of the most dangerous of winter hazards. If you wish to stay clear of this clear killer, continue reading. These tips from Car Craft Oakville in Oakville, MO will give you the tools you need to be prepared for black ice.

As previously mentioned, black ice is very not easy to notice. However, there are a couple of ways that you can detect it. First of all, spots of black ice will in most cases have the appearance of wetness, which often can look like newly-paved asphalt on the road. Some locations where black ice frequently appears includes in the shade, bridges, low-lying places where water from thawing snow might run, and spots where other vehicles have already slide off of the road. If the road appears wet, look at the tires of the car in front of you to see if they're throwing spray into the air. If not, there might be black ice. However, to be realistic, you need to assume that black ice might be anywhere if the temperature is below thirty-eight to 40 degrees.

If you want to avoid the Oakville, MO auto body damage that comes with black ice crashes, just use a bit of common sense. First and foremost, slow down and keep that seatbelt on. Driving less quickly will give you better traction and more reaction time. As such, the simplest way to avoid the temptation of speeding up is to budget more time to get wherever you're heading. Also, do not use cruise control. You need to be completely in control whenever you are driving your car on winter roadways.

I wish that I could tell you precisely how to react if you come across black ice, but I am unable to because I don't know what sort of automobile you drive. The best way for you to know what to do is to familiarize yourself with your car so that you will be prepared if and when the time comes. This can be done by checking the vehicle owner’s manual where it discusses the braking system. You can even go to a wide open area in Oakville, Missouri such as a parking lot whenever there's snow and ice to practice your slippery driving maneuvers.

Keep your focus ahead of the imminent so that you can have more time to respond if something comes up. Staying three to four car-lengths from the vehicle in front of your car will also give you additional time to react in an emergency situation. Utilize your headlights to enhance visibility for you and for the cars close to you. Even though the Christmas season means very long car trips for many families, avoid driving for too long so that you can stay sharp. Keep control of your motor vehicle by avoiding unnecessary abrupt motions.

Oakville, MO auto body shops see many vehicles every year because people got sidetracked or forgot to take the additional precautions required to ensure a safe trip. If you've gotten into an auto body wreck because of black ice, you can definitely verify this fact. Although I really hope these tips have helped you considerably, black ice can still cause auto body damage to your automobile. Should that be the case, think about taking it to Car Craft Oakville in Oakville, MO.

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Three Ways To Keep Your Snow-Covered Car Out Of An Auto Body Shop

There's no question about it: winter doesn't love your automobile as much as you do. The fact is, often it might seem like Ol’ Man Winter is pouring several inches of fresh powder on Mehlville, Arnold, Lemay, and Oakville, MO just to spite you. However, there are certainly a number of ways in which you can keep the vehicle protected from auto body dents, scratches, and a whole lot worse with these winter driving safety tips from Car Craft Oakville in Oakville, MO.

Boost Visibility By Clearing Your Windshield

Perhaps you are in a rush. Maybe you are feeling lazy. Perhaps it's just too cold. No matter what justification you might have, do not give up visibility by not clearing off your windshield before you pull from your driveway. Even when you just halfway clear it off, you are placing yourself, your passengers, and the folks in other cars at a significant risk. When roadways are slick you must have as much visibility as you possibly can to increase your reaction time to the greatest possible extent.

When you do clear off your windshield, there is certainly a right and wrong technique of doing it. The first step is to start up your car and crank up the defrosters to begin melting the ice from inside. Furthermore, this will get your vehicle all toasty warm for when you get in afterwards. Once the defrosters are doing their thing, use your handy dandy plastic ice scraper with brush to clear away all the snow and ice. Do not use anything with metal on it because you don't want to run the risk of mistakenly scraping your windshield along with the ice.

There are some more “Don’t’s” to remember too. First, don’t try to speed up the process by throwing warm water on your windshield. I could go into all the complicated science behind it, but suffice it to say that you can expect to probably end up with a shattered windshield. Cold glass and sudden heat do not mix. Next, do not try to utilize the shortcut of having your windshield wipers clear away snow rather than brushing it by hand. Wipers are not built to deal with the sort of stress that heavy snow can be, and it certainly cannot do anything to ice. There are some special snow-ready wipers you can purchase at the store, and these are typically a great investment. However, they still cannot be relied on to clear away massive amounts of snow left on your car overnight.

Get Your Vehicle Prepared To Battle The Elements By Cleaning Off Other Snow And Ice

When your windshield is clear, you're still not ready to hit the road yet. You need to clear away the snow and ice from the remainder of the car or truck. You can't just pull out and let pieces of snow and ice fly out at the vehicles behind you. When you are clearing off the snow and ice, the first thing to do is choose the right instrument. Nobody likes to have scratching in their auto body. That's the reason the good thing to do is to utilize a specialized snow removal brush like those that are usually attached to your ice scraper. Definitely don’t pull out a shovel and simply go at it. If you do, you'll probably be making a trip to a Oakville, MO auto body shop sometime in the future.

The next action to consider with auto body snow and ice removal is the particular areas to de-ice. A few things that people commonly forget include the mirrors, headlights, license plates, side and rear windows, and the tailpipe. Trust me, you certainly want to make sure that your tailpipe is free of snow and ice because that's where dangerous deadly carbon monoxide gas leaves your automobile. Always brush off the roof of your automobile as well. That's more a courtesy to the other automobiles than anything else. Nobody wants to have an avalanche fall on their windshield while they are heading down the highway. Furthermore, your wheels and bumpers should be free from any snow before you pull forward. That is the best way to get a smooth start (but not too smooth) when you get going.

Drive Slow And Smart To Stay Safe

Whenever you are inside your vehicle that's been freshly liberated from snow and ice, you're ready to get started. Nevertheless, you still have to take several steps to stay safe whenever you're traveling in slick, icy conditions. The first and most important rule is to slow down considerably when traveling in icy conditions. In normal circumstances, it is advisable to leave around two to three seconds of space between you and the car in front of your car. In snowy conditions, it is advisable to leave eight or ten seconds between you and the automobile in front of your car. Obviously, you can't understate the importance of going slowly whenever you are driving on wintry roadways.

If you begin to skid while driving, remain calm and be sensible. Remember to avoid panicking, slamming on the brakes suddenly, or making any other abrupt moves. Simply take your foot off of the accelerator pedal, guide your motor vehicle in the direction that you want to move in, and let the skid take its course. Shortly, your car will recover traction and you'll begin moving normally again. If you do not feel confident in these simple techniques, the best thing that you can do is practice it. Look for a large open space like a parking lot at a store or a school on a non-school day and deliberately skid your motor vehicle so that you can practice regaining control of it. If you don't go crazy with it, this may be a truly beneficial exercise for you.

If you get stuck for any reason, you should be careful what you do to get out of it. Naturally, your first impulse will be to slam on the gas. Regrettably, spinning your wheels will probably do you no good. In fact, you'll actually dig a deeper hole for yourself and possibly mess up your tires. What you really have to do is clear out all of the snow around your tires and scatter a lot of sand, salt, or kitty litter around the tires to give yourself some traction. Direct your tires away from the snow and to solid ground. If you adhere to that easy process, you ought to be able to get back on track with no problem.

When the snow falls and the roads freeze, the very best course of action is to remain inside and wait it out. However, there are circumstances for the majority of motorists where this is just not practical. Utilizing some good sense and these quick techniques are the simplest way to stay safe on the road. If anything goes wrong and you get into an auto wreck, there are lots of decisions you will have to make. I hope that you will think about taking your car or truck to Car Craft Oakville in Oakville, MO. They have the tools and experience that you need to get you back on the road as quickly as possible.